Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.
At a moment when division is deepening across societies and institutions, the world urgently needs leaders who can navigate conflict with courage, wisdom, and humanity. The Leadership In Conflict series brings Aspen Fellows together across sectors and geographies to learn from those living at the intersection of rupture and repair — building a global community of practice for one of leadership’s most demanding challenges.
About the Series
The Leadership In Conflict series offers Fellows immersive, on-the-ground experiences exploring what courageous leadership looks like in the midst of — and aftermath of — conflict. Each seminar brings Fellows into direct conversation with negotiators, survivors, community leaders, and change-makers navigating justice, reconciliation, and rebuilding.
Gatherings are only part of the work. Across cohorts and programs, Fellows form an evolving community of practice, learning from one another’s experience in South Africa, Palestine, Colombia, Rwanda, the US, and beyond, developing shared frameworks for leading through conflict that transcend any single context.
Immersive experiences are made possible through the generous partnership of the McNulty Foundation.
“People, all people, strive for peace. When masks we put on the opposite are removed, and the real truth is heard and faced, when justice is sought, when root causes are understood and dealt with, hearts can be restored and peace can be achieved and sustained.”
Lana Abu-Hijleh, Country Director, West Bank & Gaza — Middle East Leadership Initiative Fellow
13+
Countries Represented
Including South Africa, Rwanda, Palestine, Costa Rica, China, Colombia, El Salvador, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, Uganda, and the US
“Working in Somalia, it is easy to become isolated in a narrative of impossibility—to believe that once a society fractures along identity lines, once neighbors kill neighbors, there is no path back. Rwanda shattered that for me….I left Kigali believing that Somalia’s divisions, as deep as they are, are not terminal.”
Mohamed Ali Diini, Founder, Iftin Global — Aspen Global Innovators Fellow
